By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR

McPherson enjoys big week

Kennedy graduate and Seattle resident Jennica McPherson helped lead the Western Washington University volleyball team to a pair of wins last week.

The senior hitter had 26 digs, six blocks and seven kills in a 25-19, 21-25, 25-15, 17-25, 16014 victory over Central Washington University on Thursday, then had 13 kills, a .414 attack percentage, 17 digs and four blocks in a 29-31, 25-11, 25-14, 16-25, 15-10 win over defending Greater Northwest Athletic Conference champion Northwest Nazarene on Saturday.

Chu playing for St. Martin's

Mount Rainier graduate Steven Chu is playing in the midfield for the St. Martin's University men's soccer team in Lacey.

Kela keeps lowering ERA

Chief Sealth graduate Keone Kela continues to lower his earned run average coming out of the bullpen for the American League West-leading Texas Rangers.

Kela now boasts a 2.44 mark to go along with a 7-5 record and one save in 66 appearances.
Kela has worked 59 innings for the Rangers with 67 strikeouts and only 18 walks.

Conger, Astros in chase

Federal Way native Hank Conger and the Houston Astros are still leading the chase for the American League's No. 2 wildcard spot and still have a shot at catching the Rangers for the American League West title.

Conger, a catcher, is batting .219 (43-for-196) for the Astros with 24 runs, 33 RBI, 10 doubles and 11 home runs.

Ishikawa, Pirates clinch

Federal Way High School graduate Travis Ishikawa has helped the Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up a postseason berth playing out of the National League Central.

They are still in the chase against the St. Louis Cardinals for the division title and they have already clinched at least a wild card spot.

Ishikawa is batting .224 (13-for-58) for the Bucs to go with five runs, eight RBI, seven doubles and one home run.